Guest Column | Water safety and drowning prevention tips for all ages
Southwest Florida’s stunning waterways and picturesque coastlines are central to our community’s charm and allure. Activities such as swimming, boating and relaxing by the water offer families, friends and neighbors opportunities to connect and enjoy the natural beauty year-round.
As temperatures rise and time spent outdoors increases, water plays an even greater role in daily life, whether in backyard pools, on beaches, in canals or on boats. Along with this beloved pastime comes a shared responsibility to keep our loved ones safe. We must all take proactive measures to ensure that every outdoor water activity is safe for everyone.
How to Stay Safe by the Water
According to the Florida Department of Health, more than 500 Floridians died from unintentional drownings in 2023. In 2025, a record breaking 112 children, with more one third of those children living with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), died from drowning. Unfortunately, more than half the homes lacked proper barriers such as fences, alarms or gates.
These numbers are high because, unless they are rescued, a drowning person will last only 20 to 60 seconds before submerging. Drownings can happen anytime and often occur silently. Education and awareness can help us bring these numbers down.
Using the Five Layers of Protection
Prevent the tragedy of drowning by implementing the following five layers of protection:
• Use barriers and alarms where water is present, including gates, locks and fencing
• Always have close, constant and capable supervision
• Know your water competency survival skills
• Use life jackets
• Ensure emergency preparedness
Designate a Water Watcher
Children should never swim alone, no matter how experienced they are. At a pool or the beach, designate a Water Watcher to monitor children in or near the water. Children face the highest risk of accidental drowning; however, everyone is at risk around water and should always swim with a buddy.
Many drownings occur during short lapses in supervision; while answering a phone, preparing food, grabbing a towel or assuming someone else is watching. Designating one adult as a Water Watcher, even for brief periods, can prevent accidents. More than 80% of drownings occur when at least one adult is present.
Parents and caregivers should learn basic water skills. Adults can take lessons with their children or as a family, and learn to float, how to tread water, forward mobility and how to get out of the water.
Always Grab a Life Jacket
Life jackets provide for another layer of protection. It’s also important that a life jacket fit correctly and snugly. Have kids make a “touchdown” signal by raising both arms straight up. If the life jacket rides up and hits a child’s chin or ears, it may be too big, or the straps may be too loose. A properly fitting life jacket stays snug around the body, keeping the airway clear if the person needs to be lifted out of the water. Check the labels to make sure the life jacket is the correct size for the weight of the person wearing it and contains the label stating it is U.S. Coast Guard Approved.
How Early is Too Early to Learn to Swim?
By enrolling children in formal swimming lessons when they are developmentally ready, parents are helping keep children safer in the water, providing an 88% greater chance of survival. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends waiting until after the child’s first birthday before starting formal lessons. If your child isn’t ready for independent swimming classes, a parent-child program focused on water games, swimming readiness, and pool safety can be a good alternative.
Not every child develops water skills at the same pace. Signs a child may be ready for swimming lessons include the ability to follow simple directions, comfort being in the water with an instructor and basic coordination. Even after lessons begin, swimming instruction should never replace active adult supervision.
Why Learning CPR is Essential
The American Heart Association says hands-only CPR is as effective as conventional CPR in the first few minutes for cardiac arrest at home, at work or in public. Hands-only CPR means giving continuous chest compressions without rescue breaths.
If someone you know is having a cardiac arrest, call 9-1-1 first.
Administering CPR, including hands-only CPR, while waiting for help to arrive can save a life. CPR helps keep oxygenated blood circulating to the brain, preserving neurological function until Emergency Medical Services (EMS) can arrive.
The Healthy Life Center at Coconut Point occasionally offers a Family & Friends CPR class at no charge. The hands-only CPR class teaches life-saving skills, including how to use an AED. It’s designed for people who want to learn CPR but don’t need a CPR course completion card for a job requirement.
For the schedule and more information, please call (239) 468-0050.
Water safety starts with awareness and continues through preparation, education and shared accountability. By learning water survival skills, supervising closely and knowing how to respond in an emergency, people across Southwest Florida can help prevent drownings and protect lives.
For more information, please call (239) 343-5101.
To learn more about water safety and drowning prevention, please visit leehealth.org.
Tina Fleming is Pediatric Injury Prevention Specialist, Child Advocacy at Golisano Children’s Hospital.